‘DTI chief must focus on FTAs, MSMEs’

MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual wants the new chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to focus on negotiations for free trade agreements (FTA) and initiatives to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“What needs to be given focus are our negotiations for FTAs,” Pascual told journalists yesterday, when asked about his recommendations for the next DTI chief.

Pascual said there are ongoing negotiations for FTAs with the European Union and United Arab Emirates, while the FTA with South Korea is in the process of being ratified.

He said there is a review of the existing Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and there are plans to start talks for FTAs with other countries like Canada.

“My marching order to our International Trade Group was to already start working on identifying a country in Latin America where we can initiate FTA and a country in Africa. We have lined up a short list,” Pascual said.

Aside from FTAs, he also recommends continuing initiatives for MSMEs like shared service facilities to help expand their product range.

Pascual, who is returning to the private sector, said he is leaving the DTI with a pipeline of investments.

Last month, he said there are 210 projects with investments amounting to $60.9 billion in various stages as a result of the presidential visits, excluding public-private partnerships.

He said there were also initiatives on consumer protection like the creation of a national enforcement task force to fight uncertified products and the suspension of online selling of vape products to protect the youth under his watch.

When asked about National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, who are rumored to be the next DTI chief, Pascual said Balisacan knows about the trade department’s initiatives, while Go is a potential successor.

“I think whoever will replace me will be knowledgeable and we’ll leave with him or her the summary of the things we’ve done and things that will continue to require attention for the secretary of DTI. We are looking forward to a seamless transition for the sake of our country, for the sake of our industries, our workers who need jobs and for the sake of our consumers who need protection,” Pascual said.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed hope the new DTI secretary to be appointed would continue the programs and innovations introduced during Pascual’s term.

“We have high respect for Secretary Pascual for his dedication and hard work in promoting MSMEs to the core. We’ve worked with him on various programs and advocacies that support the development of MSMEs,” PCCI president Enunina Mangio said.

She said the group is hopeful initiatives and programs such as the promotion of regional industrialization, enhancing ease of doing business, addressing skills mismatch, attracting investments, expanding exports and enhancing consumer protection would remain priority programs of the DTI.

The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said Pascual has been a strong partner of the group in promoting trade and investments in the Philippines and supporting MSMEs.

The German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed appreciation for Pascual, saying his efforts were crucial in showcasing the Philippines as an attractive investment destination and fostering greater economic ties with Germany.